The stage play version of Rex Pickett's novel and film Sideways is off-Broadway at the Theater at St. Clement's on West 46th St just west of 9th Ave. Performances run February 20-Just extended to May 24. I attended opening night on Sunday, February 23rd thanks to singer, songwriter Susan Palmer Marshall who is married to Alexander "Sandy" Marshall one of the show's producers. I knew Susan many years ago when she worked for my friend Sally Jessy Raphael.
Sideways The Experience pairs Pickett's theatrical adaptation of his novel with premium wine and gourmet food event before the show, curated and presented by online wine retailer Wine Access and caterer Mary Giuliani. The work follows an eventful trip to the Santa Ynez Valley (Santa Barbara) wine country by Miles (Brian Ray Norris), a struggling writer and wine enthusiast, and his engaged friend Jack (Gil Brady) in search of great Pinot Noir. They made their way from tasting room to tasting room. The romantic side story for both was an added attraction. Kimberly Doreen Burns (Maya) and Jenny Strassburg (Terra) add sizzle to the steak. The "Sideways Effect" resulted in the downward trend of the sales of Merlot in favor of the then almost unknown California Pinot Noir.
Sideways was published in June 2004, with Alexander Payne's film adaptation, starring Paul Giamatti and Thomas Hayden Church, premiering later that year.The “Experience” begins with a pre-show event, where guests are invited on stage for a wine tasting by Wine Access as it had been depicted in the film. The task of creating a menu to pair with the wines is in the hands of New York City caterer Mary Guiliani. That experience is for premium ticket holders who pay- $175. If it is only wine samples(2) the price is- $75. Or one can attend the show without the side benefits for $55.
Wine Access chose wines that wine enthusiasts would enjoy.
Piece of Work – Rosé – California
Kinfolk - Sauvignon Blanc – Napa Valley
Editorial – Chardonnay – Russian River Valley
Color & Sound – Pinot Noir – Sonoma County
Grawlix – Merlot – Napa Valley
The food menu had all the great flavors of California cuisine including “Prosciutto & Brie S’mores with Rosemary Honey Drizzle, Tuna Tartare Black Tacos, Avocado and Chipotle Crème” (with Rosé); “Squid Ink Pasta Donuts with Rock Shrimp and Pancetta” (Sauvignon Blanc); “Vegetable Pot Pies with Rosemary Aioli, Fontina & Black Truffle Honey Grilled Cheese” (Chardonnay); “Duck Confit Pot Pie with Fig Sauce” (Pinot Noir).
The set (David Arsenault) and costume designers (Nicole Wee) get an A-Plus from me. Everything has the look of a first-class Broadway show at Off-Broadway prices. Bravo to director Dan Wackerman. My only criticism is the play runs too long. Maybe cut 10 minutes. I will drink to that.
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